HB39

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the ocean represents a vast natural energy resource in the form of waves that generate energy. Wave energy has many benefits. For example:

(1) Wave energy is recognized as one of the most consistent sources of renewable power available.

(2) The World Energy Council estimates that energy equivalent to twice the world's electricity production could be harvested from the world's oceans. If less than one-tenth of one per cent of the renewable energy within the oceans could be converted into electricity, the present world demand for energy would be satisfied more than five times over.

(3) There is growing awareness of the economic, energy security, and environmental values of renewable resources. The wind, sun, and ocean, for example, can provide a local supply of clean energy that never runs out. In addition to a clean environment, renewable resources produce other public benefits, including reduced dependency on foreign fuels and economic development, resulting in new jobs and increased state and local tax revenues.

(4) A wave energy facility in Hawaii would build our State's reputation as a national leader of renewable resource and ocean technology and coastal resource management.

Presently, wave energy is being used by countries that have extensive coastlines, such as Great Britain and Australia. In 2003, the Renewable Energy Trust and funders from other states provided grants for the installation of an ocean wave demonstration facility in Rhode Island. Demonstrating the commercial viability of wave energy, the facility is projected to produce up to five hundred kilowatts of electricity, enough to power three hundred average households.

A particular project of interest is the development of the Wave Hub Project in the United Kingdom. The Wave Hub Project is an offshore electrical grid connection into which are linked numerous wave energy conversion devices. As the wave energy conversion devices produce energy, the electricity is transmitted to a central "wave hub," which then transmits the electricity via an under sea cable link to an onshore electricity grid. Currently, at least one technology firm in Hawaii has developed a prototype wave energy conversion device that may be compatible with this type of system. A similar wave energy project in Hawaii would create a multitude of benefits for the State, including job creation, capital investment, technology education and training, and a virtually endless supply of clean renewable energy.

The purpose of this Act is to require the department of business, economic development, and tourism to develop a wave energy facility in the State of Hawaii.

SECTION 2. Chapter 196, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§196- Wave energy facility development. (a) The department shall work with wave energy developers and the electric utility companies to develop a facility for the generation of wave energy in the State of Hawaii that shall be a qualifying facility under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978; provided that the wave energy qualifying facility developed pursuant to this section shall be installed and operational no later than January 1, 2010. The wave energy facility shall be of a type similar to the Wave Hub Project, currently under development in the United Kingdom, in which a central offshore electrical grid connection links multiple wave energy conversion devices to an onshore electrical grid.

(b) The department shall submit an annual report to the governor and the legislature on its work during the preceding year, the development status of the project, any problems encountered, and any legislative actions that may be needed further to implement the intent of this section."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	39
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII